Computer-equipped mobility device for connecting to a network

ABSTRACT

A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network comprises a personal mobility device and a computer. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as to engage in two-way communication with the network. The occupant of the computer-equipped mobility device can operate the computer while operating the personal mobility device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computer-equipped mobilitydevices. More specifically, the present invention relates tocomputer-equipped mobility devices that provide access to a networkwhile the computer-equipped mobility device is in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hospital campuses are growing and expanding to accommodate the demandfor quality patient care. As a result, it is becoming very common forhealthcare professionals to travel considerable distances to get fromtheir office in one building to hospital rooms in another, or to yetanother building for clinical consultations. Such traveling from placeto place can take a significant amount of time. While the use ofexisting personal mobility devices helps to reduce the time required tomove between two places, it does not completely eliminate it. Thus, evenwith existing personal mobility devices, the amount of travel time canstill account for a significant portion of a doctor's day.

This increase in the amount of time doctors must spend traveling betweendifferent locations means doctors have less time to review theinformation they need to treat their patients and less time to addressthe calls, pages, e-mails, faxes, etc. they are bombarded with each day.Moreover, as the amount of time a doctor spends traveling each dayincreases, it becomes increasingly more likely that doctors will becalled upon to address urgent situations while they are traveling. Butin order to adequately address these situations, doctors may sometimesneed to review vital patient information. However, doctors generally areunable to acquire such information while they are traveling. Currently,the best way for a doctor to access the patient information needed toaddress a certain matter is either to find an unoccupied workstation inthe hospital enterprise or to travel back to the office. Both of theseoptions increase the total amount of travel time, and neither of themallow a doctor to respond in a timely fashion. Accordingly, there is aneed for a personal mobility device that allows doctors (as well asother people in similar situations) to make efficient use of theincreasing amount of time they are traveling. There is also a need for apersonal mobility device that allows doctors to quickly access clinicalinformation while traveling between different locations.

Generally, a person's arms and hands must be used to operate a personalmobility device. For example, the use of a person's hands and arms maybe required to steer the personal mobility device and possibly tocontrol the throttle. Thus, the ability to utilize the driver's handsand arms for other purposes, such as accessing patient information orreceiving phone calls from a cellular phone, is limited. While thedriver's hands can be freed up by pulling over and stopping the personalmobility device, doing so only increases the time it takes to get to thedesired location. Accordingly, there is a further need for a personalmobility device that allows a doctor to receive phone calls and toaccess needed information without substantially interfering with thedoctor's ability to operate the personal mobility device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a computer-equippedmobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over adistance and for providing access to a network comprises a personalmobility device and a computer. The computer is coupled to the personalmobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as toengage in two-way communication with the network. The occupant of thecomputer-equipped mobility device can operate the computer whileoperating the personal mobility device.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a conversion kit forconverting a personal mobility device into a computer-equipped mobilitydevice comprises a computer and a support member. The computer isconfigured to link to a network. The support member is coupled to thecomputer and is for coupling to the personal mobility device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, acomputer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of thedevice over a distance and for providing access to a network within anetwork accessible area comprises a personal mobility device and acomputer. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and isconfigured to link to the network through wireless communication whenthe computer-equipped mobility device is within the network accessiblearea.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a computer-equippedmobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over adistance and for providing access to a hospital information systemwithin a system accessible area comprises a personal mobility device, asupport member, and a computer. The personal mobility device isconfigured to accommodate a single occupant and comprises at least twowheels, a platform disposed between the at least two wheels, a columnextending from the platform and having a first end coupled to theplatform, and handlebars coupled to a second end of the column. Thesupport member is coupled to the personal mobility device, and thecomputer is detachably coupled to the support member. The computer isconfigured to link to the hospital information system through wirelesscommunication and to provide at least one of patient charts, patientstatus information, and patient monitoring information when thecomputer-equipped mobility device is within the system accessible area.The computer is one of a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, and a pocket PC.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the invention, acomputer-equipped mobility device for connecting to a network comprisesa means for transporting an occupant over a distance and a means forlinking to the network and for engaging in two-way communication withthe network. The linking means is operable while the occupant isoperating the transporting means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a computer-equipped mobility deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the computer-equipped mobilitydevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial rear perspective view of a computer-equippedmobility device according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a process used in connection with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a computer-equipped mobility deviceaccording to yet another embodiment of the present invention shown withan occupant.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the systems employed in a computer-equippedmobility device according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, computer-equipped mobility device 10 mayinclude a personal mobility device 20, a computer support member 30, acomputer 40, a user input device support member 50, and a user inputdevice 60.

Referring now to FIG. 1, personal mobility device 20 may be one of avariety of personal modes of transportation. For example, personalmobility device 20 may be a SEGWAY™ human transporter (trademark ownedby Segway LLC), a scooter, a bicycle, a moped, or other similar devicedesigned to transport one or two passengers over relatively shortdistances. Depending on its design, personal mobility device 20generally includes a platform 22, a column 24, and handlebars 26, eachof which is conventionally known within the art and may take a varietyof shapes and configurations. Platform 22 is a rigid surface thatsupports the weight of an occupant 15 (shown in FIG. 5) and may bedesigned such that an occupant 15 may sit or stand on it. Platform 22may be made from a variety of different materials and take a variety ofdifferent shapes. Column 24 is a generally vertical member that includesa first end 25 and a second end 27. First end 25 is coupled to platform22 such that column 24 extends upwardly from platform 22, placing secondend 27 distal platform 22. Column 24 can take a variety of differentshapes and be made from a variety of different materials, as long as theshape and materials allow column 24 to provide sufficient support forhandlebars 26. Handlebars 26 extend generally horizontally from secondend 27 of column 24. Handlebars 26 may be designed to provide a stablestructure that occupant 15 may use to maintain balance while on personalmobility device 20, and/or may be designed to allow occupant 15 to steerpersonal mobility device 20. Additionally, various displays andmechanisms (not shown) may be coupled to handlebars 26 to control andmonitor the function of personal mobility device 20.

Referring now to FIG. 2, computer support member 30 (e.g., bracket,support, connector, coupler, arm, brace, etc.) couples computer 40 topersonal mobility device 20 of computer-equipped mobility device 10.Support member 30 includes a column arm 32 and a computer arm 36, andmay be made from one or more of a variety of different materials,including metal alloys and polymers. Column arm 32 couples at a firstend 33 to column 24 and at a second end 34 to computer arm 36. First end33 may couple to column 24 in a wide variety of conventionally knownways. For example, first end 33 may include a circular clamp 35 thatgrips the circumference of column 24, or column arm 32 and personalmobility device 20 may include mating fasteners. Alternatively, firstend 33 of column arm 32 may be bolted onto personal mobility device 20or otherwise coupled to personal mobility device 20 through the use ofone of a variety of couplers, fasteners, and/or connectors.Additionally, column arm 32 may be pivotally coupled to column 24, oralternatively, may be rigidly coupled to column 24. Second end 34 ofcolumn arm 32 is pivotally coupled to a first end 37 of computer arm 36to allow computer arm 36 to pivot with respect to column arm 32. Thevarious methods of providing for such pivoting are conventionally knownwithin the art. A second end 38 of computer arm 36 is preferablypivotally and releasably coupled to computer 40 to allow computer 40 topivot with respect to computer arm 36 and to be released from supportmember 30 if desired. A variety of methods and structures that areconventionally known within the art may be used to provide the variousconnections described above.

Support member 30 allows occupant 15 to adjust the position of computer40, which gives occupant 15 the ability to position computer 40 in alocation that is most comfortable to occupant 15. The ability to adjustthe position of computer 40 also helps to ensure that computer 40 can beplaced in a position that enhances the ability of occupant 15 to operatecomputer-equipped mobility device 10. In alternative embodiments,computer 40 may be coupled to personal mobility device 20 through theuse of a wide variety of other coupling mechanisms. For example,computer 40 may be coupled to personal mobility device 20 by a brackethaving only one arm, or it may be rigidly coupled to personal mobilitydevice 20 such that computer 40 would not be moveable with respect topersonal mobility device 20. Through the use of different couplingarrangements (which are conventionally known within the art) computer 40may be given various degrees of adjustability.

Computer 40, shown as a tablet PC, is one of a variety of computers thatare commercially available in the marketplace. For example, computer 40may be one of a variety of personal computers, including but not limitedto a laptop computer, a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant(conventionally known as a PDA), a pocket PC, or some other version of arelatively small-sized computer. Generally, computer 40 has its ownpower source, but in alternative embodiments, computer 40 may utilizethe power source of personal mobility device 10, if personal mobilitydevice 10 includes its own source of power.

Referring to FIG. 3, computer-equipped mobility device 10 may alsoinclude a user input device support member 50 (e.g., bracket, support,connector, coupler, arm, brace, etc.) for coupling user input device 60to personal mobility device 20 of computer-equipped mobility device 10.Support member 50, which may be one of a variety of coupling devicesconventionally known within the art, may take a variety of differentshapes and configurations. It may also be made from one or more of avariety of different materials, including but not limited to metalalloys and/or polymers. These aspects of support member 50 may varydepending on the configuration of the user input device 60. Supportmember 50 serves to couple user input device 60 to personal mobilitydevice 20 in such a way, and in such a location, that occupant 15 ofcomputer-equipped mobility device 10 can use user input device 60 at thesame time occupant 15 is operating personal mobility device 20. Thus,support member 50 preferably is configured to couple user input device60 to personal mobility device 20 in a location close to where the handsof occupant 15 will be placed when occupant 15 is operatingcomputer-equipped mobility device 10. If personal mobility device 20includes handlebars 26, support member 50 normally couples user inputdevice 60 to handlebars 26. In an alternative embodiment,computer-equipped mobility device 10 may not include support member 50.Rather, personal mobility device 20 may be specifically designed toincorporate or to receive a particular user input device 60. In yetother alternative embodiments, computer-equipped mobility device 10 maynot include user input device 10, and therefore, would not requiresupport member 50.

User input device 60 is coupled to support member 50 (or alternatively,to personal mobility device 20) and allows occupant 15 to at leastpartially, if not completely, control the operation of computer 40. In apreferred embodiment, user input device 60 may include a directioncontrol member 64 and an activation member 66 that, together, mimic theoperation of a conventional mouse. Direction control member 64 andactivation member 66 are located on personal mobility device 20 suchthat the thumb of occupant 15 may be used to operate direction controlmember 64 and the index finger of occupant 15 used to operate activationmember 66 at the same time occupant 15 is operating personal mobilitydevice 20. In alternative embodiments, user input device 60 may notinclude direction control member 64 and activation member 66, but rathermay include a keyboard, a joystick, or other device for controlling theoperation of computer 40.

Referring now to FIG. 6, user input device 60 is linked to computer 40through link 100. Link 100 may be accomplished through the use of wiresconnecting user input device 60 to computer 40, or through the use ofwireless communication. Various wireless communication technologies maybe used including, but not limited to, those that make use of infraredlight and/or radio frequencies, such as that used by Bluetoothcompatible devices.

As an alternative and/or additional way to at least partially controlthe operation of computer 40, a touch screen 42 (FIG. 3) may be providedon computer 40. Touch screen 42 allows occupant 15 to dictate theoperation of computer 40 by selectively applying pressure to particularportions of the display screen provided on computer 40. In alternativeembodiments, computer 40 (as well as user input device 60 and touchscreen 42 through computer 40) may be linked to personal mobility device20 through link 102 and used to at least partially control and/ormonitor the operation of personal mobility device 20.

In a preferred embodiment, computer 40 is linked to a network 90. Toprovide computer 40 with access to network 90, signal transmitting andreceiving nodes 95 may be intermittently dispersed within an area inwhich wireless communication capabilities are desired. Nodes 95 arelinked to network 90 through link 106 and are arranged such that whencomputer-equipped mobility device 10 enters the area in which nodes 95have been dispersed, computer 40 is able to wirelessly communicate withnodes 95 through a wireless link 104. Wireless link 104 may beaccomplished through the use of existing wireless communicationtechnologies, including those that use infrared light and/or radiofrequencies. As a result of link 104, computer 40 is provided withaccess to network 90 as it travels through the area in which nodes 95have been placed. More specifically, as computer-equipped mobilitydevice 10 enters the wireless communication area, it enters into thecommunication range of a particular node 95. As computer-equippedmobility device 10 moves through the area, it eventually travels beyondthe range of that particular node 95. However, prior to leaving therange of one node 95, it enters the range of another node 95, whichensures that computer-equipped mobility device 10 will never be out ofrange of a node 95 when it is in the wireless communication area. Thisprocess is continually repeated as computer-equipped mobility device 10moves through the wireless communication area. The arrangement of nodes95 (such as where they are placed and the distance between each of thenodes) may vary depending on the type of wireless technology utilized.

When computer-equipped mobility device 10 is within the networkaccessible area, computer 40 is linked to network 90 (through nodes 95)and provides occupant 15 with access to network 90. Once provided withaccess to network 90, occupant 15 is able to engage in two-waycommunication with network 90 (i.e. retrieve information from, and enterinformation into, the network) by providing commands to computer 40(either through the use of touch screen 42 and/or user input device 60).In a medical context, network 90 may be a hospital information systemthat includes various patient information and administrativeinformation. For example, the hospital information system may allowdoctors to access patient charts, to check data generated by patientmonitors, to adjust equipment settings, or to perform a multitude ofother tasks. The system may also generate alerts and warnings thatnotify a doctor when specific events occur to patients or when otherevents of interest occur. Essentially, computer 40 may be linked to avariety of different networks and may provide occupant 15 with a fullrange of communication options when computer-equipped mobility device 10is within the network accessible area.

Referring now to FIGS. 4–6, occupant 15 may also be able to utilizeexisting technologies, such as Voice Over IP (VoIP), to receive phonecalls while computer 40 is linked to network 90. At step 200, thecomputer establishes a link with network 90. Then at step 210, computer40 receives an incoming call through network 90 while occupant 15 isoperating computer-equipped mobility device 10. At step 220, computer 40detects the call and generates an incoming call indication signal 130that indicates to occupant 15 that there is an incoming call. Incomingcall indication signal 130 may be one or both of a message displayed onthe computer screen (which may be touch screen 42) or a sound generatedby computer 40 that is associated with an incoming call. Computer 40then awaits a signal from occupant 15. At step 230, occupant 15 mayprovide a signal indicating that occupant 15 would like to answer thephone call by touching touch screen 42 in the appropriate location or byactivating user input device 60. In a preferred embodiment, user inputdevice 60 includes activation member 66, which allows occupant 15 tosignal computer 40 simply by activating activation member 66. Withactivation member 66 positioned proximate where the hands of occupant 15normally would rest while occupant 15 operates computer-equippedmobility device 10, occupant 15 may easily signal computer 40 to answerthe incoming call without substantially sacrificing the ability tooperate computer-equipped mobility device 10.

At step 240, occupant 15 simply does not activate user input device 60if occupant 15 does not wish to answer the incoming call. If computer 40does not receive a signal to answer the incoming call after a set periodof time, computer 40 may be programmed to direct the call to the voicemail of occupant 15, which is linked to network 90 through link 108. Theperiod of time after which computer 40 will direct the call to voicemail may be set by occupant 15. For example, occupant 15 may programcomputer 40 to transfer a call to voice mail after four rings, after 20seconds, immediately if occupant 15 is presently participating in acall, or after a variety of other programmable time intervals. Occupant15 may also program computer 40 not to direct a call to the voice mailof occupant 15, but rather to continue to generate incoming callindication signal 130 as long as the caller remains on the line.

Computer-equipped mobility device 10 may optionally include a headset 70that includes a speaker 72 and a microphone 74. Headset 70 is linked tocomputer 40 through link 110 and allows occupant 15 to engage in two-waycommunication with computer 40. Link 110 may be accomplished through theuse of a cord or through wireless communication. The wirelesscommunication may utilize existing infrared light and/or radio frequencytechnologies, or other adequate wireless communication technologies. Ina preferred embodiment, link 110 is inactive until the need arises forcommunication between headset 70 and computer 40. For example, the linkbetween computer 40 and headset 70 is inactive prior to and at the timecomputer 40 detects an incoming call and generates incoming callindication signal 130. However, when occupant 15 signals to computer 40that occupant 15 desires to answer the call by activating user inputdevice 60 (or by touching touch screen 42 in the appropriate location),this indicates to computer 40 that there is a need to activate link 110.Thus, at step 250, computer 40 receives the signal that occupant 15wishes to answer the call and detects whether headset 70 is present.

If headset 70 is present, step 260 a consists of computer 40 activatinglink 110. Once link 110 is activated, step 270 consists of computer 40providing a medium for two-way communication between the caller andoccupant 15. If computer 40 does not detect the presence of headset 70,step 260 b consists of computer 40 activating a link 112 with a speaker44 and a microphone 46 (also shown in FIG. 1) that may be coupled to, orincluded within, computer 40. Once link 112 is activated, step 270consists of computer 40 providing a medium for two-way communicationbetween the caller and occupant 15.

When occupant 15 is ready to end a call, occupant 15 simply activatesuser input device 60 a second time. At step 280, computer 40 thenterminates the call. During the last step 290, computer 40 deactivateslink 110 (if occupant 15 is using headset 70) or link 112 (if occupantis not using headset 70). With user input device 60 positioned proximatethe location where the hands of occupant 15 normally would rest whileoperating computer-equipped mobility device 10, occupant 15 may easilyanswer and terminate a call without substantially sacrificing theability to operate computer-equipped mobility device 10.

In addition to (or as an alternative to) controlling the operation ofcomputer 40 through the use of touch screen 42 and/or user input device60, occupant 15 may also control computer 40 through the use of voicecommands 80. Computer 40 may include voice recognition software thatallows occupant 15 to control computer 40 by saying words associatedwith specific computer commands. For example, when computer 40 isgenerating an incoming call indication signal 130, occupant 15 may say“answer,” which will cause computer 40 to answer the call. Similarly,occupant 15 may say “terminate” at the end of the call, which computer40 will recognize as the command to terminate the call. Computer 40 maybe programmed to recognize a plurality of voice commands 80 that causecomputer 40 to take one of a multitude of possible actions. Inalternative embodiments, computer 40 may be linked to personal mobilitydevice 20 through link 102 such that occupant 15 may at least partiallycontrol the operation of personal mobility device 20 by speaking voicecommands 80.

While the embodiments and application of the invention illustrated inthe figures and described above are preferred, it should be understoodthat these embodiments are offered by way of example only. Accordingly,the present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment, butextends to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scopeof the appended claims.

1. A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant ofthe device over a distance and for providing access to a medicalinformation network, the computer-equipped mobility device comprising apersonal mobility device and a computer coupled to the personal mobilitydevice, the computer configured to link to the network and to engage intwo-way communication with the network, wherein an occupant of thecomputer-equipped mobility device can operate the computer whileoperating the personal mobility device, wherein the mobility device ismotorized and further wherein the personal mobility device comprises atleast two wheels, a platform disposed between the at least two wheels, acolumn extending from the platform and having a first end coupled to theplatform, and handlebars coupled to a second end of the column, and asupport member attached in between the first and second ends of thecolumn to hold the computer.
 2. The computer-equipped mobility device ofclaim 1, wherein the computer is a one of a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop,and a pocket PC.
 3. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1,wherein the computer is configured to link to the network throughwireless communication.
 4. The computer-equipped mobility device ofclaim 1, wherein the computer comprises a touch screen and wherein thetouch screen is useable to at least partially control the operation ofthe computer.
 5. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1,wherein voice commands can be used to at least partially control theoperation of the computer.
 6. The computer-equipped mobility device ofclaim 1, wherein the computer is detachably coupled to the personalmobility device.
 7. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1further comprising a support member coupling the computer to thepersonal mobility device.
 8. The computer-equipped mobility device ofclaim 7, wherein the computer is moveable relative to the personalmobility device.
 9. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 7,wherein the support member is detachably coupled to the personalmobility device.
 10. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 7,wherein the computer is detachably coupled to the support member. 11.The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the computeris linked to the personal mobility device and wherein the computer iscapable of performing at least one of the functions of controlling andmonitoring the operation of the personal mobility device.
 12. Thecomputer-equipped mobility device of claim 1, wherein the personalmobility device accommodates only one occupant.
 13. Thecomputer-equipped mobility device of claim 12, wherein the computer isconfigured to provide patient information when the computer is linked tothe hospital information system.
 14. The computer-equipped mobilitydevice of claim 1, wherein the network is a hospital information system.15. The computer-equipped mobility device of claim 14, wherein thepatient information includes at least one of patient charts, patientstatus information, and patient monitoring information.
 16. A conversionkit for converting a motorized personal mobility device into acomputer-equipped mobility device, the conversion kit comprising: acomputer configured to link to a medical network; and a support membercoupled to the computer, the support member for coupling to themotorized personal mobility device, wherein the motorized personalmobility device is configured to transport an occupant, and furtherwherein the personal mobility device comprises at least two wheels, aplatform disposed between the at least two wheels, a column extendingfrom the platform and having a first end coupled to the platform,handlebars coupled to a second end of the column, and a support memberattached in between the first and second ends of the column to hold thecomputer.
 17. The conversion kit of claim 16, wherein the computer isone of a tablet PC, a PDA, a laptop, and a pocket PC.
 18. The conversionkit of claim 16, wherein the computer is configured to link to thenetwork through wireless communication.
 19. The conversion kit of claim16, wherein the computer comprises a touch screen that is capable of atleast partially controlling the operation of the computer.
 20. Theconversion kit of claim 16, wherein the computer is configured to engagein two-way communication with the network.
 21. The conversion kit ofclaim 16, wherein the computer is movable relative to the personalmobility device.
 22. The conversion kit of claim 16, wherein the supportmember is detachably couplable to the personal mobility device.
 23. Theconversion kit of claim 16, wherein the computer is detachably coupledto the support member.
 24. The conversion kit of claim 16, wherein thecomputer is configured to perform at least one of the functions ofcontrolling and monitoring the operation of the personal mobilitydevice.
 25. A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting anoccupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to amedical information network within a network accessible area, thecomputer-equipped mobility device comprising: a motorized personalmobility device; and a computer coupled to the personal mobility device,the computer configured to link to the medical network through wirelesscommunication when the computer-equipped mobility device is within themedical network accessible area, wherein an occupant can operate thecomputer while operating the personal mobility device, and furtherwherein the personal mobility device comprises at least two wheels, aplatform disposed between the at least two wheels, a column extendingfrom the platform having a first end coupled to the platform, handlebarscoupled to a second end of the column, and a support member attached inbetween the first and second ends of the column to hold the computer.26. A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant ofthe device over a distance and for providing access to a hospitalinformation system within a system accessible area, thecomputer-equipped mobility device comprising: a personal mobility deviceconfigured to accommodate a single occupant, the personal mobilitydevice comprising at least two wheels, a platform disposed between theat least two wheels, a column extending from the platform having a firstend coupled to the platform, handlebars coupled to a second end of thecolumn; a support member coupled in between the first and second ends ofthe column to hold a computer; and the computer detachably coupled tothe support member, the computer configured to link to the hospitalinformation system through wireless communication and to provide to theoccupant at least one of patient charts, patient status information, andpatient monitoring information when the computer-equipped mobilitydevice is within the system accessible area, wherein the computer is oneof a tablet PC, a PDA a laptop, and a pocket PC.
 27. A computer-equippedmobility device for connecting to a medical information network, thecomputer-equipped mobility device comprising: means for transporting anoccupant over a distance; and means for linking to the medicalinformation network and for engaging in two-way communication with themedical information network, wherein the linking means is operable whilethe occupant is operating the transporting means, and the transportingmeans is motorized, and further wherein the transporting means comprisesat least two wheels, a platform disposed between the at least twowheels, a column extending from the platform having a first end coupledto the platform, handlebars coupled to a second end of the column, and asupport member attached in between the first and second ends of thecolumn to hold the linking means.